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Linda Lacour Hobar

Member since 08/2015

Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, is a self-proclaimed “people-person”, a fan of comfortable high-heels, and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Through homeschooling her children, and service as a missionary, she discovered a genuine love for world history where famous and not-so-famous people have shaped time itself by the mighty hand of God. In the year 2000, Linda sensed a clear call to write The Mystery of History series for her children, grandchildren, and generations to come. In its 13th year of circulation, The Mystery of History has been well received by all ages! While fact-filled and thought provoking, Linda’s writing style is warm and personable. The “Chronological, Christian, Complete” program is user-friendly and includes a wide variety of activities for multiple ages; timeline work; mapping exercises; memory games; literature lists; audio books; and much more to fully engage students of all learning styles. The Mystery of History has been awarded “Best Homeschool History Resource” in 2012; Cathy Duffy’s “100 Top Picks”; Mary Pride’s “Practical Homeschooling Reader Award”; and The Old Schoolhouse “Excellence Award.” A native-born Texan, Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, where she first fell in love with world history. She presently resides in Tennessee where she continues to research, write, and obsess over matters big and small. Her husband Ron concurrently ministers to youth through “Intersect Sports” utilizing competition, instruction, and Christian discipleship to build the “total athlete.” Be it through sports or world history, Ron and Linda strive, imperfectly, to pour Biblical truths into families that are seeking to live for the Kingdom.

My Mission Statement

The Mystery of History, Inc. - Established and in business since 2002 Mission Statement - The Mystery of History seeks to use the platform of world history to reveal the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s sovereign plan for mankind. Goals of The Mystery of History for ministering to homeschool families - 1. Inspire – Through speaking opportunities, Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, hopes to inspire teachers and students in homeschool with the application of God’s Word, “real life” homeschooling experience, and a passion for excellence. In addition, The Mystery of History seeks to inspire students and teachers alike with a look at God’s hand in world history. 2. Equip – With numerous history products and seminars, Linda Lacour Hobar aims to share tools that will help homeschool teachers with grades, lesson plans, organizational skills, and “how-to” guidance for using The Mystery of History curriculum. 3. Educate – Through written texts and informative lectures, Linda Lacour Hobar strives to educate teachers and students with an overview of the major time periods in history that influence mankind and reveal the sovereignty of God.

Honorarium

None

Past Engagements/Seminars

"SHEM" Springfield, MO - 5/2015

"OCHEC-Tulsa" Tulsa, OK - 5/2015

"GHC" Cincinnati, OH - 4/2015

"GHC" Greenville, SC - 3/2015

"GHC" Ft. Worth, TX - 2/2015

"Multiple" Various states - 1/2014

Presentations

Bad Boys of the 20th Century

Who are the worst of the worst dictators of the 20th century? Opinions vary, but you can learn about four renowned “bad boys” with Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History. In this session, Linda will recount the chilling rise to power of Vladimer Lenin, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler. No previous knowledge needed to appreciate the message of what “should” be learned from history!

Mary & Martha Decide to Homeschool

Let’s pretend that Mary and Martha decide to homeschool. Following their character, Martha would probably have all her plans in place (and be frustrated), and Mary would probably be at the feet of Jesus (and way behind schedule.) We all have a little of Mary and Martha is us, but this workshop is designed to encourage Mary’s – who love the Lord and their children, but need help and structure to successfully homeschool. The presenter of this workshop is a self-proclaimed Mary (Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History) who managed to homeschool for 17 years, and still likes to talk about it.

Modern History That Shook the World!

Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, as she describes ten events in modern history that “shook the world.” Topics like Karl Marx, the Stock Market Crash, the Atom Bomb, and the assassination of Anwar Sadat are not only relevant to understanding the recent past, but will help teachers and students discern the headlines of today and be better leaders of tomorrow.

More!

More workshop titles and descriptions are available upon request!

The Date-free Lesson Planner

After years of frustration, veteran homeschooler Linda Lacour Hobar (author of The Mystery of History) found practical ways to liberate her lesson plans and prevent anarchy in her home. Literally. The secret lies in her “Dateless Lesson Planner” – a tool you will want to consider using in your homeschool to keep students and teacher in better harmony.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of a Homeschooling Day

Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for this down to earth session on a day in the life of a real homeschool family. She will share “the good, the bad, and the ugly” stories of her experience – with the hope of encouraging beginners and veterans with practical tips and God’s grace.

To Grade or Not to Grade

Shaped by our personality types, grades have the power to motivate some and destroy others! Listen to veteran homeschooler Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, share theories of grade keeping as well as tips on keeping it simple. Thought provoking and practical.

Unleashing the Power of World History

Through abounding stories of good and evil, world history has the power to befuddle our minds, disturb our souls, or inspire our hearts. Join Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History, for an insightful look at unleashing the power of world history to stir hearts of all ages toward the truths of the Gospel.

What Tweens and Teens Should Know About WWI

From trenches and truces on the Western Front to famous flying aces in the sky, let Linda Lacour Hobar (author of the award-winning series, The Mystery of History) walk you through an invigorating, chronological approach to what tweens and teens should know about World War I.

When Bible History and World History Meet Face to Face

Join Linda Lacour Hobar (author of the award-winning series, The Mystery of History) to discover what happens when Bible history and world history meet face to face. Through stories, activities, maps, literature, and much more, watch His-story unfold in The Mystery of History on one seamless timeline.

Publications

The Mystery of History Audio Book Series

Bring The Mystery of History to life through Audio Books, personally narrated by the author, Linda Lacour Hobar. Be it for the classroom, bedtime, or on the way to soccer, consider the addition of this "living library" of world history.

2015

the Mystery of History, Volume IV

Volume IV, the final volume of this award-winning series, spans three pressure-filled centuries from 1708 to 2014. Starting with Bach and Handel, two of the four composers included in Volume IV, the time period will see numerous revolutions and “wars of independence.” From the American colonies, the heart of Mexico, the goldmines of Australia, the mountaintops of South America, the shores of Greece, and the walls of the Alamo, we will find mankind desperately striving for liberty and freedom through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Students will meet famous characters like Napoleon, Karl Marx, Sojourner Truth, Mussolini, Anwar Sadat, Neil Armstrong, Nelson Mandela, and many more. While a great deal of American history will be included in this Volume (ie. the American Revolution, the War Between the States, the War in Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, etc.), it will not necessarily replace American history for those students seeking to fill a high school requirement. Can you use this volume to dovetail American history? Absolutely, but it is a world history text with a heavier emphasis on the West for the sake of most of our readers. Though the reading level of this text is suitable for the average 9th-10th grader, this volume can serve the entire family if properly screened for younger audiences (ie. difficult topics such as the Holocaust, the Soviet Gulag system, the dropping of the atom bomb, the War on Terror, etc. should be treated with discretion for all aged students and reserved for the more mature. Lessons can be skipped when necessary!) It is recommended that students first read Volumes I-III of The Mystery of History, but it is not a prerequisite for enjoying this in-depth study of world history up to modern times.

Bright Ideas Press 2015

The Mystery of History, Volume III

The Mystery of History Volume III offers a deep and meaningful study of world history from the viewpoint of a Christian author. Spanning the Renaissance, the Reformation, world exploration, and some early American history, this exciting volume explores the backdrop to and significance of time-honored contributions found in art, music, literature, science, and philosophy of this rich era from 1455 to 1707. Students will be introduced to famous characters and world changers such as Ivan the Great, Henry VIII, Jeanne D’Albret, Francis Bacon, Pocahontas, Galileo, K’ang-hsi, and many more. Though the reading level of this text is suitable for the average 7th-8th grader, this volume can serve as a Renaissance/Reformation study for any age with modification (and some screening for Younger Students.) It is recommended that students first read Volumes I and II of The Mystery of History, but it is not a prerequisite for enjoying this award-winning book.

Bright Ideas Press 2008

The Mystery of History, Volume II

The Mystery of History Volume II picks up where Volume I leaves off with exciting stories of the Early Church and the Middle Ages. Spanning A.D. 30-1460, this volume includes Vikings and villains, castles and crusades, samurai and shoguns, Dante and Chaucer, and much more. In addition to 84 engaging lessons, this 704-page black and white paperback includes pretests; activities for Younger, Middle, and Older Students; quizzes and games; timeline directions; mapping exercises; literature suggestions; and more. Though the reading level of this volume is suitable for the average 5th-6th grader, this volume can serve as a stand-alone study of Medieval Times for any age with modification. It is recommended that Volume II follow Volume I, but it is not a prerequisite for enjoying this award-winning book. However, to make this volume a complete course in Medieval history, you will need a historical atlas to complete the suggested mapping exercises.

Bright Ideas Press 2004

The Mystery of History, Volume I

Through 108 lessons, Volume I spans ancient times from Creation to the resurrection of Jesus Christ by uniquely weaving Bible history and world history into one intriguing narrative. Students will learn of world famous figures like Nefertiti, Confucius, Socrates, and Julius Caesar in chronological order with significant Bible characters such as Ruth, Daniel, Nehemiah, and John the Baptist. Imagine, one timeline bringing Bible history and world history to life! Also contained in this 636-page black and white paperback are optional components for all ages with pre-tests, activities, timeline directions, mapping work, quizzes, games, literature suggestions, and answer keys. Though the reading level of this volume is suitable for the average 3rd-4th grader, this resource can be modified for all ages and serve the entire family in one or two school years.

Bright Ideas Press 2002